FIELDTRIPS & OTHER OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A number of optional extracurricular activities are offered as part of the program. Students will explore the ancient and modern wonders of the Peloponnese on a weekend trip with tours to ancient Mycenea and the beautiful city of Nafplion. During the week participants will be offered to visit summer highlights of Athens, such as tours to the historical center of Athens; outdoor shows at the Dora Stratou Dancing Theater; theater, concerts and dance at the Herodes Atticus Odeon which is 50 yards from the ILJMuseum; or to watch a movie at the awarded open air Cine Thiseion. Expeditions include Cape of Sounion, with a tour at the Temple of Poseidon.
Weekend Trip to Mycenae & Nafplion
– Mycenae:
A military stronghold of the 2nd millennium BC, “rich-in-gold” Mycenae is nowadays one of the most-visited archaeological sites in Greece. The massively-built fortress housed the local chieftain and warlord, echoed in the poems of Homer by the mighty Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy. The on-site museum hosts important archaeological finds from the site and the royal cemeteries.
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2573
– Nafplion:
A colorful seaport town, still preserving its grandiose fortifications going back to the 15th century, Nafplion became the first capital of the Hellenic Kingdom after the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s. Its unique architectural landscape preserves many Ottoman and traditional Greek houses and places of worship, as well as spectacular neoclassical mansions from the 19th c. Today, Nafplion is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/main_cities/nafplio
Half Day Trip to Cape Sounion
– Cape Sounion:
Cape Sounion, surrounded by sea and topped by the classical Greek Temple of Poseidon perched on the headland, has attracted many travelers over the centuries, including Edward Dodwell and Lord Byron. Famous for its sunsets, it now stands as a remarkable site, loved for its historical significance as well as its natural beauty.
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2390
Night out
– Cine Thiseion
Both participants and museum staff will share the experience of Athens outdoor movie under the Acropolis. Cine Thiseion is awarded more than once, as the best open air cinema in the world (CNN, BBC, Trip Advisor etc.). Cine Thiseion is the oldest outdoor cinema of Athens, built in 1935 and is open from April to October. Spectators have the opportunity to applause a majestic view of the Acropolis while watching a movie. Cine Thiseion’s buffet is famous for its natural cherry juice!
http://cine-thisio.gr/
– Dora Stratou Dance Theater
The living museum of Greek dance, since 1953, is located on Philopappou Hill, opposite the Acropolis. This outdoor theater presents daily performances of Greek Traditional dance with original village-made costumes and live music. This Theater has offered a lot with its research programs in Ethnology, History of Dance, Folkloric and Traditional culture. Dora Stratou Dance Theater is also established in Greek Education with its courses and workshops on Ancient Greek dance, and the annual events and festivals. Participants will have a special private class on Greek traditional dancing and attend a live evening performance.
http://www.grdance.org/en/
